Bucs' top 3 defensive plays in 2016

Now that the off-season is officially here we can reflect on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2016 season. As a whole, the Bucs improved immensely finishing 9-7 in their first winning season since 2010. Although the team failed to make it to the playoffs, they did see an incredible turnaround defensively which played a huge role in their five-game winning streak. Since the defense truly shined during the second half of the season, we figured we would take a moment to highlight the top three defensive plays this season.

1. Chris Conte’s end zone interception against the Chiefs

Kansas City was down 12-10 early in the fourth quarter and needed a touchdown in order to win the game. Conte not only responded by picking off Chiefs’ quarterback Alex Smith, but he returned it 48 yards, which set the Bucs up for a touchdown they desperately needed in their 19-17 upset victory at Arrowhead Stadium.

2. Alterraun Verner’s emotional interception against the Seahawks

The score was 14-5 and Roberto Aguayo had missed a field goal yet again. The Seahawks had made their way to Tampa Bay’s 29 yard with a minute remaining in the half when Alterraun Verner picked off Russell Wilson. A few seconds later, Verner fell to the ground as his teammates swarmed around him in a very emotional moment. Verner dedicated the play to his father who tragically passed away a few days before.

3. Keith Tandy’s game-winning interception against the Saints

The Buccaneers picked off Drew Brees three times against New Orleans, but the biggest came in the final 60 seconds of the game. Tampa Bay was barely winning with a score of 16-11, and Tandy made sure his team did by picking off Brees to seal the win with just 0:51 left in the game.

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